--- title: Student Ignites Passion for Mental Health Awareness and Research description: Sophomore Stephanie Winborne is navigating the challenges of being a college student while actively researching for a more significant cause. As an advocate driven by a personal connection to mental health awareness, she aims to shed light on the complexities of mental health through her research. image: https://blogs.coker.edu/hubfs/IMG_5565.jpeg --- # SEARCH COKER.EDU [![](https://blogs.coker.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/images/coker-logo.png?width=266&height=85&name=coker-logo.png "coker-logo.png")](https://coker.edu/) - [Campus Bookstore](http://bookstore.coker.edu/home.aspx) - [Visit Coker](https://coker.edu/visit) - [Giving](https://coker.edu/after-coker/give-coker) - [Media](https://coker.edu/news-stories) - [Contact Us](https://coker.edu/contact-us) ![Coker University Logo](https://blogs.coker.edu/hubfs/2022%20Images%20and%20Icons/coker-university-logo.svg) - [About](https://coker.edu/about-coker) - [Why Coker?](https://coker.edu/why-coker/) - [Academics](https://coker.edu/academic-programs) - [Admissions & Aid](https://coker.edu/admissions-aid) - [Student Experience](https://coker.edu/student-experience) - [After Coker](https://coker.edu/alumni) - [Athletics](http://www.cokercobras.com/landing/index) [Prospective Students](https://coker.edu/admissions-aid) - [Traditional Students](https://coker.edu/admissions-aid/traditional-students) - [Adult Degree Students](https://coker.edu/admissions-aid/adult-degree-program) - [Graduate Students](https://coker.edu/admissions-aid/masters-programs) - [Online Learners](https://coker.edu/admissions-aid/online-learners) - [Admissions & Aid](https://coker.edu/admissions-aid) - [Academic Programs](https://coker.edu/academic-programs) - [Campus Life](https://coker.edu/student-experience) - [Housing](https://coker.edu/admissions-aid/housing) - [Campus Map](https://coker.edu/campus-map) - [Military & Veteran Benefits](https://coker.edu/admissions-aid/adult-degree-program/understanding-financial-aidplanning/military-veteran-benefits) [Current Students](https://coker.edu/student-experience) - [Student Solution Center](https://coker.edu/campus-culture/student-solution-center) - [Campus Calendar](https://coker.edu/students/current-students/campus-calendar) - [My Coker](https://coker.edu/students/current-students/my-coker) - [Trans4mations](https://coker.edu/academics/trans4mations) - [Student Experience](https://coker.edu/student-experience) - [Housing](https://coker.edu/admissions-aid/housing) - [Career Services](https://coker.edu/student-experience/career-services) - [Student Resources](https://coker.edu/student-experience/campus-life/locations/student-center) - [Counseling Services](https://coker.edu/about/offices-services/campus-services/counseling-services) - [Commencement](https://coker.edu/students/current-students/commencement) - [Blackboard](https://blogs.coker.edu/campus-culture/student-resources/blackboard) - [Coker Email](https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?continue=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com%2Fmail%2F<mpl=default&service=mail&sacu=1&hd=c) - [WebAdvisor](https://webadvisor.coker.edu/WebAdvisor/WebAdvisor?TYPE=M&PID=CORE-WBMAIN&TOKENIDX=2502543381) - [Campus Bookstore](http://bookstore.coker.edu/home.aspx) - [Library](https://library.coker.edu) - [Campus Safety](https://blogs.coker.edu/about/offices-services/campus-safety) - [Career Services](https://blogs.coker.edu/student-experience/career-services) - [Student Resources](https://blogs.coker.edu/academic-resources) - [Final Exam Schedule](https://coker.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/academic_records/2016-17_Final_Exam_Schedule.pdf) [Parents](https://coker.edu/parent-page) - [Parent Association](https://coker.edu/parent-association) - [Parent Weekend](https://coker.edu/parent-weekend) - [Parent FAQs](https://coker.edu/parents/parents/frequently-asked-questions) - [New Student Orientation](https://coker.edu/student-experience/orientation-0) - [Campus Calendar](https://coker.edu/parents/campus-calendar) - [Campus Map](https://coker.edu/campus-map) - [Hartsville Accommodations](https://coker.edu/about/campus-grounds-facilities/hartsville-accomodations) - [Notification of Parents or Guardians](https://coker.edu/notification-parents-or-guardians) - [Benefits for Veterans' Dependents](https://coker.edu/admissions-aid/adult-degree-program/understanding-financial-aidplanning/military-veteran-benefits) - [Buy Coker Merchandise!](http://bookstore.coker.edu/SiteText.aspx?id=11423) - [Financial Planning](https://coker.edu/admissions-aid/costs-aid/financial-aid) - [Outcomes](https://coker.edu/feature-stories/trans4mations-success-story) - [Academic Calendar](https://coker.edu/academic-calendar) - [Campus Bookstore](http://bookstore.coker.edu/home.aspx) ![](https://blogs.coker.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/images/alumni-giving2.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=alumni-giving2.jpg) [Give to Coker](https://coker.edu/gifts) [Alumni](https://coker.edu/alumni) - [Share Your Story](https://coker.edu/after-coker/alumni-stories/share-your-story) - [Give to Coker](https://coker.edu/after-coker/give-coker) - [Get Engaged (Volunteer)](https://coker.edu/academics/center-engaged-learning/community-service) - [Buy Coker Merchandise!](http://bookstore.coker.edu/SiteText.aspx?id=11423) - [The Commentary](https://coker.edu/after-coker/commentary) - [Calendar of Events](https://coker.edu/after-coker/campus-calendar) - [Homecoming and Reunions](https://coker.edu/after-coker/events/homecoming-2017) - [Homecoming 2017](https://coker.edu/homecoming) - [843 Club](https://coker.edu/after-coker/making-difference-giving/843-club) - [Amazon Smile](https://coker.edu/after-coker/amazon-smile) - [Registration](https://coker.edu/alumni-weekend-registration) ![](https://coker.edu/sites/default/files/random-image/alumni-giving3.jpg) [Give to Coker](https://coker.edu/gifts) [Faculty](https://coker.edu/faculty-staff/faculty) - [Faculty Senate](https://coker.edu/faculty-and-staff/faculty/faculty-senate) [Staff](https://coker.edu/faculty-staff/staff) - [Staff Advisory Council (CSAC)](https://coker.edu/staff-advisory-council-csac) - [Leadership & Adminstration](https://coker.edu/about/leadership-administration) [Resources](https://coker.edu/faculty-staff/resources) - [Faculty/Staff Directory](https://coker.edu/directory) - [Academic Catalog](https://coker.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/academic_catalog/2015_16_Academic_Catalog.pdf) - [Academic Calendar](https://coker.edu/academic-calendar) - [Employee Portal](https://workforcenow.adp.com/public/index.htm) - [Careers](https://coker.edu/careers) - [Guidelines and Logos](https://coker.edu/guildelines-and-logos) - [Title IX](https://coker.edu/title-ix) - [Tutorials](https://coker.edu/node/3672) - [Counseling Services](https://coker.edu/about/offices-services/campus-services/counseling-services) - [Campus Calendar](https://coker.edu/faculty-and-staff/resources/campus-calendar) - [Blackboard](https://coker.blackboard.com/) - [Coker Email](https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?continue=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com%2Fmail%2F<mpl=default&service=mail&sacu=1&hd=c) - [WebAdvisor](https://webadvisor.coker.edu/) - [Squid](http://squid.coker.edu/?c=user&f=login) - [Information Technology](http://it.coker.edu/) - [Campus Maintenance](https://maximo.mysodexo.com/maximo/webclient/login/login.jsp) - [Early Alert Reporting System (EARS)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1nuFU6Geq0o2Vx7dGUo89jjtFElX3SNgk9OTAqpifxVk/formrestricted) - [Home](https://coker.edu/) - [About](https://coker.edu/about-coker) - [Academics](https://coker.edu/academic-programs) - [Admissions & Aid](https://coker.edu/admissions-aid) - [Student Experience](https://coker.edu/student-experience) - [After Coker](https://coker.edu/alumni) - [Athletics](http://www.cokercobras.com/landing/index) - [Visit Coker](https://coker.edu/visit) - [Giving](https://www.coker.edu/giving-form/) - [Contact Us](https://coker.edu/contact-us) # Student Ignites Passion for Mental Health Awareness and Research ![](https://blogs.coker.edu/hubfs/IMG_5565.jpeg) ## Student Ignites Passion for Mental Health Awareness and Research ADDITIONAL MENU - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Feb 24, 2025 [Coker University](https://blogs.coker.edu/news-stories/author/coker-university) Sophomore Stephanie Winborne is navigating the challenges of being a college student while actively researching for a more significant cause. As an advocate driven by a personal connection to mental health awareness, she aims to shed light on the complexities of mental health through her research. “I learned that mental illnesses are vast,” Stephanie said. “A lot of times we think it’s just depression. That’s what I thought coming into it. But I realized it’s also a disorder, and it has so many different layers, which is why I decided to research it.”  Under the guidance of her advisors, Professor Whitney Cranford and Professor Andy Burke, she has been conducting in-depth research, including interviews with mental health professionals, personal conversations with individuals facing mental health challenges, and extensive online research. Balancing this research with her academic workload, her job as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and her role as a mother has not been easy. Stephanie acknowledges the difficulties of managing her time effectively but remains committed to completing most of her research by April. She remains strong, knowing that her research will educate and inspire others, particularly college students who may be struggling with their mental health.  Stephanie plans to present her findings through a case study and a short story. The case study provides more concrete information, while the short story will offer a more personal, narrative-driven perspective but will still be based on factual, research-backed data. Her story follows a character navigating high-functioning depression, an often overlooked aspect of mental health that she believes is crucial to highlight. "So many people don't realize that depression isn't just sadness," Stephanie explains. "It can manifest in ways that are hard to recognize, even by the person experiencing it. I want my story to help others see those signs and understand that support is out there." Stephanie plans to utilize her research in her career. Majoring in entrepreneurship and innovation, she hopes to integrate her passion for mental health awareness in her future endeavors. Whether through publishing her short story, expanding her research into a book, or developing mental health resources, she is determined to make an impact. Reflecting on her journey, Stephanie discusses the importance of choosing Coker University, "Being here has given me the opportunity to grow in ways I never expected. The support from my professors and the close-knit community has made all the difference." As Stephanie prepares to finalize her research, she remains optimistic about its potential impact. She hopes to present her findings in a way that resonates with students, educators, and anyone affected by mental health issues. Her ultimate goal is to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and create a space where conversations about well-being are encouraged and understood. With her passion, resilience, and dedication, Stephanie Winborne is not just conducting research but starting a conversation that can change lives.   ### ### ABOUT COKER UNIVERSITY Coker University is a student-focused, comprehensive institution of higher education with a strong liberal arts core, located in Hartsville, South Carolina. Coker combines round table, discussion-based learning with hands-on experiences to encourage active participation in and out of the classroom. A supportive, close-knit community prepares Coker students with the confidence and practical life skills they need to reach their personal best, in college and beyond. Founded in 1908, Coker is a bachelor’s and master’s degree-granting institution and competes in 21 NCAA Division II sports. Coker is included among the "Best Colleges" in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review, and by Washington Monthly as a “Best Bang for Your Buck” college in the southeast. ![](https://blogs.coker.edu/hubfs/2022%20Images%20and%20Icons/coker-university-logo--footer.svg "coker-logo-btm.png")   [COKER UNIVERSITY — 300 E. College Ave., Hartsville, SC 29550](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Coker+College/@34.3765787,-80.0726719,17z/data=!4m7!1m4!3m3!1s0x885575dc095a0ce1:0x26550cd394646c1c!2s300+E+College+Ave,+Hartsville,+SC+29550!3b1!3m1!1s0x885575db8a0db6d7:0x3b89353863175f3d) 1 (800) 950-1908   |   (843) 383-8000 © Copyright 2016   |   Privacy Policy